Soweto Gospel Choir visits Karratha schools

Students in Karratha enjoyed a musical treat last week, when a choir from South Africa performed at four local schools.

The Soweto Gospel Choir, which was in town to kick off their 48-venue tour, visited the Karratha and Tambrey primary schools as well as St Luke’s College and Karratha Senior High School.

The three-time Grammy Award-winning choir was formed in 2002 and are presently travelling Australia with their Freedomtour in honour of Nelson Mandela.

Soweto musical director Milton Ndlakuse said the group was formed to share the South African music, dance, culture, faith, history and love for God with the world.

“The objective is to spread love, peace and happiness,” he said.

“By going to schools we are able to share with young people where we have come from as a country, our heritage and our culture.”

Karratha Primary School principal Kate Lyon said the show was a great way to expose students to another style of music and a different group of people.

“The way the kids interacted with the performance showed how much they enjoyed it,” she said.

“In our school vision, we value diversity, so having a good understanding of different cultures and countries is important to us.”

The Soweto Gospel Choir were also involved in a cultural exchange with the Juluwarlu Group in Roebourne on Thursday and performed their main show at the Red Earth Arts Precinct on Friday.

The show and visits were presented by the City of Karratha.